Grounding fitting



April 12, 1938. H. CHURCH GROUNDING FITTING File d Nov. 21, 1936- 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 mvsmon LEWIS H.cHuRcH BY fiv A REYS 4 z Edi mud-h. 1 t v H o e C 4 m .w M R s n w 1 w Y. C 2 a I: N m mg 8 i 2 w w E L INVENTOR L H. CHURCH GROUNDING FITTING I Flled Nov 21 1936 April 12, 1938.

Patented Apr. 12, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE GROUNDING FITTING Lewis H. Church, Westfield, N. 1., assignor to The Thomas & Betts 00., Elizabeth N. 1., a corporation of New Jersey Application November 21, 1936, Serial No. 112,001

16 Claims. (Cl. 173-273) The invention relates to a grounding fitting having two clamping members, which fitting is adapted to be clamped upon a grounded conductor and is adapted to grip the wire to be grounded because the grounding wire serves as a hinge pin or a connecting member between the two clamping members. The invention relates particularly to two new and novel forms of hinge bearings for the type 01' groundimg fitting described above, one

A still further object of the invention is to construct one or both clamping members 0! the grounding fitting from strip or bar stock which is bent into desired form. and which also utilizes the wire to be grounded as the hinge pin or connectiim member between the two clamping members. Again, the grounding fitting has one of the clamping members provided with means bent thereinto which adapts the grounding fitting to 01' which hinge bearings does not subject the receive one of a plurality of sizes 0! grounded 10 ground wire to a shearing action when the two conductors. members of the grounding fitting are forced to- Other objects of the invention will be more apgether in order to clamp the two members to the parent from the following description taken in grounded conductor, and the other of which inconnection with the accompanying drawings creases the area of the grounding wire which is showing preferred embodiments of the invention. 15

subjected to shearing and hence in this way in which: strengthens the connection at the hinge bearings. F g 1 8' u t ate One fo m of the These forms of hinge bearings are also adaptable grounding fitting and shOW particularly an imior a grounding fitting in which one of the clamp- D Ve form of i e bearing for e ng and ing members has a plurality of hinge bearings gripping the gr g wire.

thereby enabling the grounding fitting to be ad- Fi u 1 s a d view f. the assembled ground- Justed for a plurality of sizes of grounded conins fi n w a small diameter d d p p ductors. or conductor clamped therein and gripping the It is an object of the invention to construct a grounding e between t e hinge bearings.

new and novel form of grounding fitting having Figure 2 is an end view of the assembled 25 two clamping members and which fitting utilizes gifouudlug fitting illustrated in F e 1 and the wire to be grounded as the hinge pin or conshows particular y the longitudinally arcuate necting member between the two clamping memform of the hinge bearing. bersi The grounding wire which serves as the Figure 31s a p n v w f n f the w cla p hinge pin is not subjected to a shearing action lng membe forming the grounding .w c 30 when the clamping members are forced together member carries a p ty of hinge a i to clamp a grounded conductor and grip the which per t grounding fit to ceive and grounding wire at the same time. clamp o e P a ty of es of grounded Another object of the invention is to construct Conductors- 35 a new and novel grounding fitting having the 011- Figure 4 is side w Of th Clamping e 35 jeets set forth above and which further is so eonbe illustrated in Figure 3 and shows the tw structcd that the grounding fitting is adapted to hinge bearings Carried t ere yclamp a plurality of difi'erent sizes of grounded Figure 5 1s side View 0! the other clamping conductors. member forming the grounding fitting.

Another object of the invention is to construct Figu 6 is P View Of the p g mem- 40 the hinge bearings for the grounding wire in each be illustrated in Figure 5 showing an opening clamping member forming the grounding fitting therein formed between tWO flanges and c ossin such a manner as to distort the wire when it is ar or member J in t ds f th flan s t gripped therein and thereby make it more difficult form its hinge bear to pull the grounding wire out of the hinge bear- Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a second form of ing. hinge hearing which receives the wire to be A further object is to construct the hinge bearg ou d In all Other respects, the groundin ings in such a manner that an increased area fitting is the e as t t ust at d in u e of the grounding wire, serving as a hinge pin, is 1 through 6.

subjected to shearing action when the grounded Figure 7 is a side view, partially in section as 50 conductor is clamped in the fitting, thereby intaken on line 1-1 of Figure 8, of the assembled creasing the strength of the hinge connection g u d fitting and the fitting is clumping and eliminating the danger of the grounding wire roun p p of a diameter t n t t s own being sheared oiI when it is gripped in the hinge in Figure 1. A grounding wire is also shown bearing. gripped between the hinge bearings. 55

Figure 8 is a longitudinal section through the hinge bearings taken on line 8-8 of Figure l. The hinge bearing upon one of 1 the clamping members is also designed to secure and ground the armor of an armored type of grounding wire.

Figures 9 through 14 illustrate another form of grounding fitting in which the clamping members are formed from bar or strip stock bent into the desired form. This grounding fitting is also constructed to receive a plurality of sizes of grounded pipes or conductors.

Figure 9 is an assembled view of the grounding fitting showing clamping members formed from bent bar stock. The grounding fitting is clamped to a grounded conductor which is a one inch pipe and the fitting is gripping a stranded grounding wire.

Figure 10 is a side view of one of the clamping members of the grounding fitting, which member carries a plurality of hinge bearings.

Figure 11 is an end view of the clamping member of Figure 10 showing particularly the plurality of hinge bearings bent into the bar stock.

Figure 12 is a plan view of the clamping member illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 showing the clamping seat for the grounded conductor and the square hole in one end thereof, which hole receives an operating means or bolt.

Figure 13 is a plan view of the other clamping member of the grounding fitting and shows the hole through which the hinge bearings of the clamping member illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 are inserted. I

Figure 14 is a side view of the clamping member illustrated in Figure 13 shown-lg the manner in which the hinge bearing for this member is formed by bending the end thereof into a U shape.

It is desirable in a grounding fitting of the type in which the wire to be grounded serves as a hinge pin or connecting means between the two clamping members oi the grounding fitting that the wire be not subjected to a shearing action which would tend to cut the grounding wire either partly or completely in pieces and thereby destroy the ground connection with the grounded conductor' and permit the grounding fitting to become loose thereupon. The destruction or cutting off of the grounding wire can also be prevented by increasing the area of the wire" which is subjected to shearing action, such as subjecting some portion of the length or longitudinal wire area of the wire to be grounded to a shearing action, as distinguished from a direct diametral shearing action through one or more diametral areas of the grounding wire. In addition, it is desirable that such grounding fittings be provided with a plurality of hinge bearings so that a plurality of different sizes of grounded conduct-ors may be clamped by the grounding fitting thereby increasing the service or adaptability of such a fitting. These results have been obtained in the construction of grounding fitting to be particularly described herein.

The grounding fitting illustrated in Figures 1 through 6 includes a clamping member in which has a clamping seat II for receiving the grounded conductor. Any form of clamping seat is contemplated and that illustrated is generally arcuate in form. The clamping seat preferably carries serrations so that the grounded conductor is more firmly clamped thereby and better electrical contact may be established between the clamping members and the conductor. The clamping member ID has a hinge bearing l2 formed by a projection or hook II. A sewnd hinge bearing It may be and preferably is provided upon a second projection or hook l5 which is spaced from the projection l3 and hinge bearing l2. This second spaced hinge bearing adapts the grounding fitting for a plurality of sizes of grounded conductors or particularly two sizes of conductors. The hinge bearings and the clamping seats are substantially parallel to each other. The clamping member ID carries a bolt or screw hole [6 at the end thereof opposite from the hinge bearings i2 and II.

It will be noted that the hinge bearings I2 and Il are open bearings, as distinguished from circular, and preferably face in a direction substantially 180 degrees from the direction in which the clamping seat H faces. The hinge bearings may face at any angle with respect to the direction in which the clamping seat faces provided it is substantially degrees or greater. The hinge bearings I2 and II are also bulged at the center or arcuate longitudinally as'illustrated particularly in Figure 2. The purpose of this longitudinal arc or curve in the hinge bearings will be explained hereinafter. The hinge bearings may be grooved to better retain the grour ding wire in position.

The projections I3 and i5 merge with a rib l9 which extends over the back of the clamping seat H and extends to the other end of the clamping member. This rib gives rigidity and strength to the clamping member, both over the clamping seat H and at the bolt hole IS.

A second clamping member 22 has a clamping seat 23 which preferably carries serrations to better grip the grounded conductor and to establish better electrical connection therewith. Any form of clamping seat may be used and the arcuate form illustrated merely enables the seat to better conform with circular pipe. One end of the clamping member 22 has a pair of spaced flanges 24 through which a wire receiving hole 25 extends, the hole in each flange being in axial alignment. A cross member or bar 28 connects the ends of the flanges 24 and is integral therewith. This cross member is adjacent to the hole 25 in each flange and provides an opposed hinge bearing 21. The spaced flanges 24 and the cross member 26 provide an opening 28 in the clamping member. The other end of the clamping member 22 has a bolt or screw hole 29. The flanges extend over the back of the clamping member and give strength and rigidity thereto. The spaced flanges preferably extend to the end of the clamping member and are located on either side of the bolt hole 28 where they serve as holding means for preventing the turning of the nut or head of the bolt when it -is being tightened to clamp the grounded conductor between the clamping seats H and 23 and to grip the grounding wire between the hinge bearings.

The hinge bearing 21 faces in a direction which is greater than 90 degrees and approximates degrees from the direction in which the clamping seat 23 faces. It will be observed, therefore, that the direction in which each hinge bearing faces with respect to the clamping seat upon the same clamping member is approximately the same and the reason for this, of course, is so that the hinge bearing 12 or H may be opposed to the hinge bearing 21 upon the clamping member 22. This angularity is necessary with a clamp which adopts a physicallever of the first or second class. In a. r n n fittin il n a physical lever of the third class, however, the hinge bearings will face approximately in the same direction as the clamping seat upon the same clamping member within a range of approximately 90 degrees either way. The hinge bearings must be opposed to each other. however, whichever way they face with respect to 5 the clamping seat upon the same clamping member.

The hinge bearing 21 is bulged in the center or is preferably arcuate longitudinally, the same as.the hinge bearings i2 and i 4 upon the clamp 10 ing member in. The longitudinal arcuate form -is in the same direction on all of the hinge bearings when in assembled position, which means that the arcuate or bulged hinge bearings l2 and i4 are convex or curved outwardly whereas 16 the hinge bearing 21 ,is concave or curved inwardly. The purpose of these longitudinally bulged or arcuate hinge bearings will be described more fully hereinafter.

An operating means is provided to draw the 20 clamping members together in order to perform three functions, first, to clamp the pipe or grounded conductor p between the clamping seats ii and 23; second, to grip the grounding wire W between the hinge bearings I! or i4 and 21; and,

25 third, to distort or bend the grounding wire between the opposed hinge bearings. The operating means is preferably a bolt 12 having threads which receive the nut 22. The bolt 22 passes through the bolt holes I! and 29 in the ends of the clamping members. Tightening of the bolt or nut. clamps the pipe P and grips and distorts the grounding wire W.

The grounding fitting is assembled by extending the projection i 5 or the hinge bearing through 85 the opening 28 if a large diameter. of grounded conductor is to be clamped therein, and also by extending the projection it through the opening 28 if a smaller diameter conduit 9, as illustrated in Figure 1. is to be clamped between the clamp- 40 ing seats Ii and 23. The prolection i2 is then positioned so that its hinge bearing i2 is in alignment with the holes 25 and in alignment with and opposed to the hinge bearing 21, whereupon the grounding wire W is inserted therebe- 46 tween. The clamping members iii and 22. are then positioned upon the grounded conductor p which is received between the clamping seats ii and 23. The operating bolt 22 is then inserted through the bolt holes i8 and 29 and the nut' 60 33 is threaded thereupon. Tightening of the bolt will draw the clamping seats ii and 22 together and clamp the grounded conductor p therebetween. At the same time the hinge bearings I2 and 21 will be forced together to grip and distort 55 the grounding wire W therebetween.

It will be observed that the grounding wire w is directly clamped between the hinge hearing I 2 on the clamping member ill and the hinge bearing 21 on the clamping member 22 so that so the grounding wire is subiectedto compression between these two members, or between the two opposed hinge bearingaand there is no possibility of a shearing action being exerted upon the grounding wire, regardless of to what extent 65 the operating bolt 32 is tightened. The grounding wire W under the clamping action between the arcuate shaped hinge bearings i2 and 21 is pressed or bent into an arcuate form. It is clear, therefore, that a longitudinal pull on the 70 grounding wire W not only must be strong enough to overcome the frictional contact of the hinge bearings i2 and 21 therewith, but must also be strong enough to overcome the deformation of the entire end of the grounding wire W in con- 75 forming to the arcuate form of the hinge bearings as it is pulled from between the hinge bearings. The grounding wire is, therefore, more securely clamped between the hinge bearing by the arcuate or bulged form of the bearing. The deformation of the grounding wire W by the 5 hinge bearings also aids in effecting a better electrical connection between the wire and the hinge bearings.

The grounding fitting-illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 is identical with the grounding fitting il- 10 lustrated in Figures 1 through 6 and described above, excepting for the hinge bearings. It is for this reason that the parts of the two grounding fittings bear the same numerals. and the different form of the hinge bearings only will be described in connection with Figures 7 and 8. The spaced hinge bearings 36 and 21 carried by the clamping member i0, instead of being arcuate or bulged like the hinge bearings i2 or i4, are provided with axially extending serrations. The hinge bearing 38 carried by the clamping member 22 carries circumferential serrations which are better illustrated in Figure 8. The serrations upon both hinge bearings bite into or distort the grounding wire W and more firmly 25 grip the wire between the hinge bearings. as well as more effectively establish electrical contact between the grounding wire W and the two clamping members of the grounding fitting. The longitudinally extending serrations carried by the hinge bearings 36 and 31 scrape the surface of the wire when the operating means or .bolt 22 is tightened and the circumferential serrations carried by the hinge bearing cut into the surface of the wire. The action of the serrations 35 more securely grips the wire and also more effectively establishes electrical contact between the grounding wire and the hinge bearings,

Theclamping member 22111 the form illustrated in Figures '1 and 8 also carries an extension 40 40 which is in alignment with the hinge bearing 38.

A bore II is provided in this extension in order to receive the armor A or the armored grounding wire W. A clamping screw 42 is threaded through one side of the extension 40 and extends into the 45 bore 4i so that the armor A may be clamped in the bore by the screw and will thereby also establish good electrical contact between the armor and the clamping member 22.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a large diameter pipe P clamped between the clamping members iii and 22 and consequently the ground wire W engaged is received between the hinge bearing 28 and the hinge bearing 21 which is carried by the lowermost projection i5.

Figures 9 through 14 illustrate a grounding fitting having the same function as the ground ing fitting described in Figures 1 through 8. This grounding fitting, however. is formed from bar stock which is bent into the necessary form so or shape so that it will clamp one grounded conductor of a plurality of different sizes and at the same time grip a grounding wire which serves as a hinge pivot or pin between the two clamping members of the grounding fitting. The grounding fitting includes a clamping member 45 bent into an arcuate or general V shape to form a clamping seat 46. The clamping member 45 carries a downwardly projecting extension 41 which is preferably narrower than the width of the bar at the clamping seat. The extension 41 is bent into a plurality of waves with arcuate depressions or parallel and spaced grooves therebetween in order to form the hinge bearings 48,

49 and 50. The other end of the clamping member 45 carries a bolt hole which preferably is square so that it will receive a corresponding square part upon an operating bolt ornut and hold the same against turning.

A second clamping member 55 is also formed from bar stock and bent to form a clamping seat 56. One end of the clamping member 55 carries f a bolt hole 51. The other end of the clamping member is bent to form a hinge bearing and in the form illustrated this end of the clamping member is bent into a U shape in which the opening between the legs of the U faces in the general direction of the clamping seat. An opening 58 is provided in that part of the U-shaped part which is adjacent to the clamping seat 56.

As mentioned, the end of theclamping member is bent to form the U 59, and preferably the free end of the U extends substantially backward towards the clamping member 55. Because'of the length of the free end, it is also provided with an opening 60 so that one of the hinge bearings 48, 49 or 50 may be inserted through both open-' thereby.

The hinge bearings upon each clamping member are-opposed to each other andface in a direction approximately at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the direction in which the clamping seat faces upon the same clamping member. The grounding wire will, therefo be'subiected to shearing stress which. however, is distributed =notonly over two circular 'or diametral areas determined by the sides of the hinge bearings, but also over a longitudinal or axial area of the grounding wire W. Although hinge-bearings are preferred which do not subject the grounding wire to a shearing stress, there'is shown in Fig-' ures 9 through 14 a grounding fitting having a hinge bearing which subjects the grounding wire to a shearing stress, but over an increased area of the grounding wire so that danger of shearing off of the wire is eliminated. A grounding fitting 'made by bending bar stock may be constructed'so that the grounding wire is not subjected to shearing, but only-to compression by bending the hinge bearings so that they face in a direction somewhat greater than 90 degrees with reference to the direction in which the clamping seat faces upon the same clamping member. In other words, the angle at which the hinge bearings face with respect to the direction in which the clamping seat faces determines whether or not the grounding wire will be' subjected to shearing or compression between the hinge bearings. In each case, however, the hinge bearings are opposed to each other.

Operating means is provided to draw the clamping members 45 and 55 together to grip a grounded conductor p therein. This operating. means is again preferably a threaded bolt 64 upon which is received the nut 65. This bolt preferably has a square or fiat portion 56 which is received in the square hole ii of the clamping member 45 in order to hold the bolt against rotation when the nut i5 is tightened. It is to be understood that any form of operating means is contemplated to draw the clamping members together to clamp the grounded conductor and grip the grounding wire.

' The grounding fitting illustrated in-Figures 9 through 14 is assembled by projecting the extension 41 through the holes 58 and 60 in the U- shaped end of the clamping member 55 until the proper hinge bearing 48, 49 or 50 is in alignment with thehinge bearing 6| formed by the U. The hinge hearing which is aligned with the hinge bearing 6| depends upon the size of the grounded conductor to beclamped between the clamping seats 46 and 55. A one inch pipe is illustrated as being inserted within the grounding fitting.

The operating bolt 54 is then projected through the hole 5! in the clamping member 45 and the hole 51 in the clamping member 55 and the nut 65 threaded thereupon to clamp the grounded conductor p between the clamping seats 46 and 56 and to grip the grounding wire W within the hinge bearings 50 and GI. It will be observed that the left-hand face of the opening -60 and particularly the left-hand face of the opening 58, as illustrated in Figure 9. prevents the extension 41 from bending away from the hinge bearing GI and prevents the waves in the extension 41 forming the hinge bearings from being distorted out of shape. The rear edges of these openings, therefore, support the extension 41 against any distortion which might tend to release the ground wire and prevent it from being firmly gripped in the hinge bearings.

Various" modifications will occur to those skilled in the art in the configuration, composition and disposition "of the component elements going to make up the invention as a whole, as well as in theselective combination or application of the respective elements, and no limitation is intended by the phraseology of the foregoing description or illustrations in the accompanying drawings. V

What is claimed is:

1. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a pair of clamping members, a hinge bearing upon each clamping member which hinge bearings are adapted to receive a wire to be grounded and which wire serves as a hinge pin between the clamping members, clamping seats upon the clamping members between which a metallic conductor is adapted to be clamped, the hinge bearings providing opposed faces so that the grounding wire received therebetween is engaged on directly opposite surfaces thereof, the hinge bearings also facing at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the direction in which the respective clamping seat faces so that pressure upon the grounding wire exerts a shearing stress throughout the length of the wire between the hinge bearings as well as across the wire, and operating means to force the clamping members together to grip the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire within the hinge hearings in which the grounding wire is received.

2. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a pair of clamping members, a hinge bearing upon each clamping member which hinge bearings are opposed to each other so that a grounding wire received therebetween is engaged on directly opposite surfaces thereof, the wire serving as a hinge pin between the clamping members, the hinge bearings having a form along the axis thereof to bend the grounding wire when it is gripped between the hinge bearings, clamping seats upon the clamping members between which a metallic conductor is adapted to be clamped, and operating means to force the clamping members together to grip the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire against the hinge bearings in which the grounding wire is received and bend the grounding wire between the hinge bearings.

3. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a pair of clamping members, a hinge bearing upon each clamping member which hinge bearings are opposed to each other so that a grounding wire received therebetween is engaged on directly opposite surfaces thereof, the wire serving as a hinge pin between the clamping members, the hinge bearings having an arcuate form longitudinally thereof in order to bend the grounding wire when it is clamped between the hinge bearings, clamping seats upon the clamping members between which a metallic conductor is adapted to be clamped, and operating means to force the clamping members together to grip the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire against the hinge bearings in which the grounding wire is received and bend the ground wire into an are.

4. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a pair of clamping members, a hinge bearing upon each clamping member which hinge bearings are opposed to each other so .that a grounding wire received therebetween is engaged on directly opposite surfaces thereof, the wire serving as a hinge pin between the clamping members, one of the hinge bearings having serrations extending axially of the bearing and the other hinge bearing having serrations extending circumferentially of the bearing in order to scrape and bite respectively into the grounding wire by the relative rotary movement between a hinge bearing and the wire when it is clamped between the hinge bearings, clamping seats upon the clamping members between which a metallic conductor is adapted to be clamped, and operating means to force the clamping members together to grip the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire against the hinge hearings in which the grounding wire is received and distort the ground wire.

5. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a pair of clamping members, spaced flanges upon one clamping member, a cross-bar between the flanges, a hinge bearing upon the cross-bar, a hinge bearing upon the other clamping member. the hinge bearings being opposed to each other so that a grounding wire received therebetween is engaged on directly opposite surfaces thereof, each hinge bearing having a groove facing towards each other which grooves are adapted to receive the wire to be grounded, clamping seats upon the clamping members between which a metallic conductor is adapted to be clamped, the clamping seats and hinge bearings being substantially parallel to each other, and operating means to force the clamping members together to clamp the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire within the grooves of the hinge bearings between which the grounding wire is received.

6. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a clamping member having a clamping seat, a pair of spaced flanges projecting from the clamping member, a cross member between the flanges and having a hinge bearing which faces in a direction greater than 90 degrees from the direction in which the clamping seat faces, the flanges and cross member forming an opening in the clamping member, a second clamping member having a hinge bearing which is opposed to the hinge bearing upon the first member so that a grounding wire received therebetween is engaged on directly opposite surfaces thereof, the hinge bearing for the second member being assembled opposite the hinge bearing upon the other member by inserting it through the opening between the flanges. t hinge rin s bein adapted to receive therebetween a wire to be grounded and subject the same to compression, the clamping seats upon the clamping members being adapted to receive a metallic. conductor to be clamped, the clamping seats and hinge bearings being substantially parallel to each other, and operating means to force the clamping members together to clamp themetallic conductorbetween the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire between the hinge bearings.

7. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a pair of clamping members, a plurality of hinge bearings upon one of the clamping members, the hinge bearings being parallel and spaced with respect to each other so that one is adapted totreceive a wire to be grounded and the others to receive the ground wire for conductors of different sizes, at least one hinge bearing upon the other clamping member to also receive the grounding wire which wire serves as a hinge pin between the clamping members, the hinge bearings providing. opposed faces engaging the grounding wire therebetween, clamping seats upon the clamping members between which a metallic conductor is adaptedto be clamped, and operating means to force the clamping members together to gripthe metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire against the hinge bearings in which the grounding wire is received.

8. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a pair of clamping members, a plurality of binge bearings upon one of the clamping members. the hinge bearings being parallel and spaced with respect to each other so that one is adapted to receive a wire to be grounded and the others to receive the ground wire for conductors of a different size, at least one hinge bearing upon the other clamping member to also receive the grounding wire which wire serves as a hinge pin between the clamping mem bers, clamping seats upon the clamping members between which a metallic conductor is adapted to be clamped, the hinge bearings providing opposed faces engaging the grounding wire therebetween, the hinge bearings also facing at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the direction in which the clamping seat faces so that the grounding wire is subjected to compressive gripping therebetween, and operating means to force the clamping members together to clamp the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire against the hinge hearings in which the grounding wire is received.

9. A grounding fitting for a, grounding wire comprising a pair of clamping members, a plurality of hinge bearings upon one of the clamping members, the hinge bearings being parallel and spacedwith respect to each other so that one is adapted to receive a wire to be grounded and the others to receive the grounding wire for conductors of a different size, an opening in the other clamping member forming a cross-bar which provides a hinge bearing to also receive the grounding wire which wire serves as a hinge pin between the clamping members, clamping seats upon the clamping members between which a metallic conductor is adapted to be clamped. the hinge bearings providing opposed faces when one or more of the plurality of hinge bearings are inserted through the opening upon the other clamping member. the opposed hinge bearings engaging the grounding wire therebetween, the hinge bearings also facing at an angle at least degrees with respect-to the direction in which the clamping seat faces, and operating means to force the clamping members together to grip the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire against the hinge bearings in which the grounding wire is received.

10. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a clamping member having a clamping seat, a pair of spaced flanges projecting from the clamping member, a cross member between the flanges and having a hinge bearing which faces in a direction at least 90 degrees from the direction in which the clamping seat faces, the flanges and cross member forming an opening in the clamping member, a second clamping member having a hinge bearing which is opposed tothe hinge bearing upon the first member so that a grounding wire received therebetween is engaged on directly opposite surfaces thereof, the hinge bearing for the second member being brought directly opposite the other hinge bearing by inserting it through the opening between the flanges, the hinge bearings being substantially parallel to the clamping" seats and'adapted to receive therebetween" a wire to be groundedpthe hinge bearings being so formed that the grounding wire 'is' distorted when'g ripped therein, theclampin seats upon the clamping'members being adapted to receive a; metallic conductor to be clamped, and operating means to force the clamping members together to grip the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire between the hinge bearings.

11. A grounding fitting fora grounding wire comprising a clamping member having a'clamping seat, a pair of spaced flanges projecting from the clamping member, a cross member between the flanges and having a hinge hearing which faces in a direction at least 90 degrees from the direction in which the clamping seat faces, the flanges and cross member forming an opening in the clamping member, a second clamping member having a plurality of hlngebearings, one of said hinge bearings being opposed to the hinge bearing upon the first member so that a grounding wire received therebetween is engaged on directly opposite surfaces thereof, the hinge bearing for the second member being brought directly opposite the other hinge bearing by inserting the same through the opening between the flanges, the hinge bearing selected depending upon the size of the grounded conductor, the hinge'be'iirings being adapted to receive therebetween a wire to be grounded, the clamping seats upon the clamping members being adapted to receive a metallic conductor to be clamped, and operating means to force the clamping members together to clamp the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire between the hinge bearings.

12. A grounding fitting for a. grounding wire comprising a clamping member having a clamping seat, a pair of spaced flanges projecting from the clamping member, a cross member between the flanges and having a hinge hearing which faces in a direction substantially in excess of 90 degrees from the direction in which the clamping seat faces in order to subject the grounding wire to compressive ripping therein, the flanges and cross member forming an opening in the clamping member, a second clamping member having parallel and spaced opening between the flanges and the hinge bearing selected depending upon the size of the grounded conductor, the hinge bearings being adapted to receive therebetween a wire to be grounded, the clamping seats upon the clamping members being adapted to receive a metallic conductor to be clamped, and operating means to force the clamping members together to clamp the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire between the hinge bearings.

13. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a clamping member'having a clamping seat, a pair of spacedflanges projecting from the clamping member, a cross member between the flanges and having a hinge hearing which faces in a direction in excess of 90 degrees from the direction in which the clamping seat faces in order to subject the grounding wire to compressive gripping therein, the hinge bearing being arcuate in form longitudinally, the flanges and cross member forming an opening in the clamping member. a second clamping member having a plurality of spaced hinge bearings, one of said hinge bearings being opposed to the hinge hearing upon the flrst member by inserting the same through the opening between the flanges and the hinge bearing selected depending upon the size of the groundedconductor, the hinge bearings being arcuate in form longitudinally and corresponding to the form of the hinge bearing upon the flrst clamping member and being adaptand operating means to force the clamping members together to grip the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire between the hinge bearings.

14. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a clamping member having a clamping seat to receive a grounded conductor, a hinge bearing upon the clamping member which hinge bearing is adapted to receive a wire to be grounded, and a hole through the clamping member adjacent to the hinge bearing; a second clamping member having a clamping seat, at least one hinge bearing upon the second clamping member which is arcuate in form and will pass through the opening in the first clamping member and will be opposed to the hinge bearing thereon to -also receive the grounding wire which wire serves as a hinge pin between the clamping members; and operating means to force the clamping members together to clamp the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire against the hinge hearings in which the grounding wire is received.

15. A grounding fitting for a grounding wire comprising a clamping member having a clamping seat, a hinge bearing upon the clamping member provided by a U-shaped part at the end thereof of the U-shaped part with the sides thereof extending horizontally which hinge bearing is adapted to receive a wire to be grounded. and a hole through the sides of the U-shaped part; a second clamping member having a clamping seat, at least one hinge bearing of arcuate form upon the second clamping member which will pass through the opening in the first clamping member and will be opposed to the hinge bearing upon the first clamping member to receive the grounding wire therebetween which wire serves as a hinge pin between the clamping members; and operating means to force the clamping members together to'grip the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire against the hinge bearings in which the grounding wire is received.

-16. A grounding fitting for agrounding wire comprising a clamping member having a clamping seat, a hinge bearing upon the clamping member provided by a U-shaped end on the clamping member with the sides of the U-shaped end extending horizontally which hinge bearing is adapted to receive a wire to be grounded, and

CERTIFIMTE OF CORRECTION a hole through the sides of the U-shaped ends; a-second clamping member having a clamping seat, a plurality of hinge bearings carried by the second clamping member which are formed by a. series of parallel and spaced grooves which will pass through the opening in the first clamping member and one of which may be opposed to the hinge bearing carried by the first clamping member to receive the grounding wire therebetween which wire serves as a hinge pin between the clamping members, and operating means to force the clamping members together to grip the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire against the hinge bearings in which the grounding wire is received. v

LEWIS H. CHURCH.

April 12, 19 8.

LEWIS a. cannon.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6, second column, line 69, claim 15, strike out the words "of the U-shaped part" and insert the same after "sides", same line; and line 70, strike out the word "thereof"; and that the said Letters Patent should be read withthese corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office Signed and sealed this 11 th day of June, A. D. 1958.

. (Seal) Henry Van Arsdale, Acting Commissioner of Patents.

will pass through the opening in the first clamping member and will be opposed to the hinge bearing upon the first clamping member to receive the grounding wire therebetween which wire serves as a hinge pin between the clamping members; and operating means to force the clamping members together to'grip the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire against the hinge bearings in which the grounding wire is received.

-16. A grounding fitting for agrounding wire comprising a clamping member having a clamping seat, a hinge bearing upon the clamping member provided by a U-shaped end on the clamping member with the sides of the U-shaped end extending horizontally which hinge bearing is adapted to receive a wire to be grounded, and

CERTIFIMTE OF CORRECTION a hole through the sides of the U-shaped ends; a-second clamping member having a clamping seat, a plurality of hinge bearings carried by the second clamping member which are formed by a. series of parallel and spaced grooves which will pass through the opening in the first clamping member and one of which may be opposed to the hinge bearing carried by the first clamping member to receive the grounding wire therebetween which wire serves as a hinge pin between the clamping members, and operating means to force the clamping members together to grip the metallic conductor between the clamping seats and grip the grounding wire against the hinge bearings in which the grounding wire is received. v

LEWIS H. CHURCH.

April 12, 19 8.

LEWIS a. cannon.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6, second column, line 69, claim 15, strike out the words "of the U-shaped part" and insert the same after "sides", same line; and line 70, strike out the word "thereof"; and that the said Letters Patent should be read withthese corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office Signed and sealed this 11 th day of June, A. D. 1958.

. (Seal) Henry Van Arsdale, Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

